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M Cordero

Publications and source records attributed to M Cordero.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Nuclear caspase-3 and caspase-7 activation, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage are early events in camptothecin-induced apoptosis.

Chemotherapy-induced apoptosis by DNA-damaging drugs is thought to be generally dependent on the release of cytochrome c and the subsequent activation of caspase-9 and -3. However, the molecular mechanism of how damaged DNA triggers the apoptotic process is not clear. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this process, we examined drug-induced apoptosis in cultured H-460 cells. Using cell fractionation, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays, we show that the activation of nuclear caspases-7 and -3, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, are early events in camptothecin-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we demonstrate that these events precede the release of cytochrome c and apoptotic inducing factor, and the activation of caspases 2, 8, 9 and 12. Together our results suggest that drugs acting at the DNA level can initiate apoptosis via nuclear caspase activation.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗
PubMed2003

Quality of care in institutionalized deliveries: the paradox of the Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the paradox in the Dominican Republic of a relatively high maternal mortality ratio despite nearly universal institutionalized deliveries with trained attendants, a rapid assessment using an adaptation of the strategic assessment method was conducted. METHODS: A multi-disciplinary team reviewed national statistics and hospital records, inventoried facilities, and observed peripartum client-provider interactions at 14 facilities. RESULTS: The major referral hospitals, where more than 40% of births in the country occur, were overcrowded and understaffed, with inexperienced residents overseeing care provided by medical students, interns and nurses. Uncomplicated labor and deliveries were overmedicalized, while complicated ones were not managed appropriately; emergencies were not dealt with in a timely fashion. In the peripheral hospitals physicians were seldom present and clients were either turned away or delivered by unprepared nursing staff. Providers in the busiest facilities suffered from compassion fatigue, and were demoralized and overworked. In all facilities, quality of care was lacking and the delivery and birthing process was dehumanized. CONCLUSIONS: Access and availability of institutional delivery alone is not enough to decrease MMR, it is also the quality of emergency obstetric care that saves lives.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2000

Two randomized controlled trials comparing the Hulka and Filshie Clips for tubal sterilization.

To compare the effectiveness and safety of the Filshie Clip System and Hulka Clip System when applied via minilaparotomy and laparoscopy, we conducted 2 multicenter randomized controlled trials of 2126 women (878 in the minilaparotomy study and 1248 in the laparoscopy study) who received either the Filshie or Hulka Clip. A physician other than the operator evaluated patients postoperatively and again at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. We compared the cumulative incidence of pregnancy and the frequency of safety related events for the device groups. Twenty-four month follow-up was planned for a subset of 599 women in the laparoscopy study. One woman who received the Filshie Clip and 6 women who received the Hulka Clip became pregnant within one year. The 12-month life-table pregnancy probability was 1.1 per 1000 women in the Filshie Clip group and 6.9 per 1000 women in the Hulka Clip group. The difference in the risk of pregnancy through 12 months between device groups neared statistical significance (p = 0.06). Among the extended follow-up subset, the 12- and 24-month cumulative pregnancy probabilities were 3.9 and 9.7 per 1000 women for the Filshie Clip group and 11.7 and 28.1 per 1000 women for the Hulka Clip group (p = 0.16 for comparison through 24 months). Both the Filshie and Hulka Clips are effective and safe for use in tubal occlusion.

Female↗
PubMed1999

Human dirofilariasis in the European Union.

The dog parasites Dirofilaria immitis and D. (Nochtiella) repens, well known as zoonotic agents, are widely distributed in southern Europe. Although both species are canine parasites, infection with immature worms has been found in humans, who develop nodules, mainly in subcutaneous tissue or in lung parenchyma arising from branches of the pulmonary artery. In humans, the parasites do not usually reach the adult stage and microfilaremia is absent, as has been shown by diagnosis using invasive methods for removing the nodules. In this article, Antonio Muro, Claudio Genchi, Miguel Cordero and Fernando Simón review the current situation concerning the clinical and epidemiological aspects, immune response and diagnosis of human dirofilariases.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of two regimens of beta-adrenergics in acute asthma.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Inhaled adrenergics and steroids are the main agents used in acute asthma. Dosing recommendations for adrenergics, while generally becoming more aggressive, lack prospective validation. A double blind, randomized trial of two regimens of nebulized metaproterenol was conducted in patients presenting to an Emergency Department with an acute asthma exacerbation. Asthmatics age 16-55, with no other cardio-pulmonary disease, presenting with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) < 30% of predicted and greater than 80 L/m were enrolled. All patients received 125 mg of methylprednisolone and theophylline, if needed, to reach therapeutic levels. The experimental group received 0.3 cc metaproterenol in 2.5 cc of saline at times 0, 20", 40", 1', 2', 3', 4', 5', 6', and 7'. The control group received metaproterenol at times 0, 1 hr, and hours 3, 5, and 7. Placebo was given to control group patients at 20", 40", 2', 4', and 6'. PEFR and vital signs were measured 10 min after each treatment. Study end points included discharge upon reaching set criteria or admission if patients were not discharged following the hour 7 treatment. RESULTS: Seventy one patients were enrolled, 40 in experimental group and 31 in the control group. The group characteristics did not differ at entry in any significant way, and the groups began with mean expected PEFR of 23.4% and 24.5%, respectively. There were no significant differences at any point in PEFR outcomes, time to discharge, or admission rate. The experimental group showed a greater increase in pulse rate and a reduced diastolic blood pressure at 20, 40 and 60 min. The experimental group had a 12- and 8-fold increase in the risk of a pulse rate > 140 at 40 and 60 min, respectively. This group also had two moderate complications, both near the 60-minute mark. These were an induction of atrial fibrillation in one patient and ischemic electrocardiographic changes in another. CONCLUSION: Three treatments in the first hour, and hourly thereafter showed no benefit over treatments initially, at one hour, and every other hour in acute, moderate, or severe exacerbation of asthma. Side effects were markedly increased in the control group. Such dosing should not be recommended as routine therapy.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

Antiphosphatidylserine antibodies in patients with autoimmune diseases and HIV-infected patients: effects of Tween 20 and relationship with antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein I.

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) react with negatively charged phospholipids, which may often be complexed with a protein cofactor such as beta2 glycoprotein (beta2GPI) and prothrombin. Cofactor requirements may be assessed by measuring antibodies to beta2GPI or by adding Tween 20 to some reagents in the assays for aPL (anticardiolipin and antiphosphatidyIserine). We have measured anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), antiphosphatidylserine antibodies (aPS), and anti beta2 glycoprotein antibodies (abeta2GPI) in the serum of 10 normal subjects, 20 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and 12 patients with HIV infection. Adding Tween 20 to aPS, the assay couldn't differentiate protein cofactor dependent from independent antibodies, but this can be done by measuring abeta2GPI (P= 0.0008). There was a significant correlation between aCL and a(beta)2GPI in the control group and in the patients with SAD, but not in the HIV-positive (HIV+) patients. After excluding the HIV+ patients, the best Spearman correlation was obtained between a(beta)2GPI and aCL (0.64, P< 0.0005). In 3 out of 7 patients with positive a(beta)2GPI and in 5 out of 6 patients with moderate or high positive aCL of the group of SAD, there was a history of venous thrombosis. The presence of moderate or high values of aCL either alone or together with a(beta)2GPI was significantly associated with a history of venous thrombosis (P < 0.05). Moderate or high aCL concentrations and their association with a(beta)2GPI seems to be useful for the assessment of the risk of venous thrombosis in unselected patients with SLE or APS.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

99mTc-labeled antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor antibody in patients with tumors of epithelial origin: Part III. Clinical trials safety and diagnostic efficacy.

UNLABELLED: Monoclonal antibody (moAb) ior egf/r3 is an IgG2a that recognizes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the 99mTc-labeled moAb ior egf/r3 for the detection of epithelial-derived tumors, their metastases and recurrences. METHODS: One hundred forty-eight adult patients (51 women, 97 men; mean age 53 +/- 13 y) who were suspected of having cancer of epithelial origin were administered 3 mg/50 mCi (1.85 GBq) 99mTc-labeled moAb ior egf/r3 by intravenous bolus injection. Planar anterior and posterior images of the lesion sites and suspected metastases were acquired at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after injection, and SPECT images were scanned at 5 h postinjection, using a 360 degrees circular orbit with 64 images. The backprojection method was used for image reconstruction with a Hamming-Hann filter. RESULTS: Labeling efficiency was always greater than 98.5% +/- 2.1 %. No adverse reactions or side effects were observed. Results of the biopsy specimens showed that 85.1% (126/148) of the patients had tumors of epithelial origin, 14.2% (21/148) were negative and 0.7% (1/148) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The sensitivity rate by organ was as follows: brain (8/8, 100%), digestive tract (10/11, 90.9%), head and neck (17/23, 73.9%), lung (52/62, 83.9%) and breast (16/18, 88.9%). Overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values of the immunoscintigraphic imaging were 84.2% (106/126), 100.0% (22/22), 86.5% (128/148), 100% (106/106) and 52.4% (22/42), respectively. New metastases not identified previously by other diagnostic methods were detected in the 50% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Immunoscintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled moAb ior egf/r3 could be a useful procedure for the diagnosis and follow-up of the patients with tumors of epithelial origin.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Utility of antibodies against a 22 kD molecule of Dirofilaria immitis in the diagnosis of human pulmonary dirofilariasis.

To assess the characteristics of an ELISA test for the diagnosis of human pulmonary dirofilariasis, we studied the sera of 24 subjects with other helmintoses and of 37 patients suffering from non-parasitic focal lung diseases, comparing them with negative and positive sera. ELISA and Western blot with complete somatic antigen and ELISA with protein Di22 (specifically recognized in cases of lung dirofilariasis) were performed. With ELISA SA the false positive rate was 25% in cases with other parasitoses and 30% in cases with focal lung diseases. ELISA Di22 decreases this positivity levels. Only 2 cases with visceral larva migrans (8.3%) and a case with lung nodules metastatic from renal adenocarcinoma (2.7%) were positive. ELISA Di22 therefore greatly decreases the false positive rate of ELISA SA.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

A randomized controlled trial comparing nonoxynol-9 lubricated condoms with silicone lubricated condoms for prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the effect of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) in condom lubrication on the risk of acquiring STD and genital discomfort. METHODS: The study was a triple masked, randomised controlled trial comparing N-9 lubricated condoms with plain silicone lubricated condoms among Dominican female sex workers. RESULTS: Randomisation provided two groups (313 for N-9 and 322 for plain) similar in baseline characteristics, but extensive loss to follow up occurred (56 women in each group completed the 24 week follow up). Most vaginal acts with clients were protected with condoms (99% of vaginal sex) but fewer acts with non-clients were protected (43% of vaginal sex). No significant differences occurred in rates of cervical infections (N-9 = 3.4 per 100 person months v plain = 2.8), trichomoniasis (N-9 = 2.8 v plain = 3.6), or discomfort rates (N-9 = 0.82 v plain = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Plain silicone lubricated condoms are as effective as N-9 lubricated condoms, cost less, have longer expected shelf life, and therefore may be the better condom to provide.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Identifying condom users at risk for breakage and slippage: findings from three international sites.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether past condom failure (breakage, slippage, or both) can predict future failure and evaluated other predictors of condom failure. METHODS: At each of 3 international sites, approximately 130 male condom users were enrolled and given 5 condoms to use for vaginal intercourse over a 3-week period. RESULTS: Men at increased risk (history of 1 or more condoms that broke or slipped off) reported approximately twice as many condom failures as those not in this group. Condom failure increased with the number of adverse condom use behaviors reported per participant. Opening condom packages with sharp objects and unrolling condoms before donning were associated with breakage. Unrolling condoms before donning and lengthy or intense intercourse were associated with slippage. Of background characteristics evaluated, having less education was associated with condom failure. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a history of condom failure predicts future failure, a finding that may be useful for targeted intervention. Moreover, these data provide further evidence that certain behaviors and lower educational attainment are associated with condom failure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Natural anticoagulant proteins and antiphospholipid antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Thrombosis is a relatively common complication in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is strongly associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of this prothrombotic state remains obscure. We studied 4 natural anticoagulant proteins: protein C, protein S, antithrombin III, and plasminogen in 50 patients diagnosed with SLE. METHODS: Protein C, antithrombin III, and plasminogen were measured by chromogenic substrates and total and free protein S by electrophoresis. We also determined the prevalence of different aPL (lupus anticoagulant and antibodies against cardiolipin, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylinositol). RESULTS: Ten patients (20%) had a history of thrombosis. Some type of aPL was present in 26 patients (52%). Nine of the 10 patients with history of thrombosis had aPL (p = 0.007). Functional assays for protein C, antithrombin III, and plasminogen were in the normal range in all patients. Low free protein S levels were documented in 19 patients and were associated with the presence of aPL (13/19 were aPL positive) (p < 0.05). Only 4 patients with acquired free protein S deficiency had a history of thrombosis. CONCLUSION: This study shows an association between aPL and reduced free protein S levels in patients with SLE. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanism and role of this acquired deficiency in the pathogenesis of thrombotic episodes in patients with SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

(E,Z)-2-(2-chloro-5-nitrostyryl)-1-(1-propenyl)benzimidazole.

The title compound, C18H14ClN3O2, was synthesized by the condensation of 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzaldehyde with 2-methyl-1-propenylbenzimidazole, and the molecule comprises a 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzene and a 1-(Z)-propenylbenzimidazole. The two aromatic moieties are conjugated through the vinyl group. The dihedral angle between the two rings is 1.4(6) degrees. The propenyl group lies out of the benzimidazole plane with a dihedral angle of 112.9(9) degrees.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1997

Bis[(E)-2-(2,4-dichloro-5-nitrostyryl)-1,3-benzothiazole] hydrate.

The title compound, bis[(E)-2-(2,4-dichloro-5-nitrostyryl)-1,3-benzothiazole] hydrate, 2C15H8Cl2N2O2S.-H2O, was obtained from the condensation of 2-methyl-benzothiazole with 2,4-dichloro-5-nitrobenzaldehyde. Single-crystal X-ray analysis showed that the asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically unique but structurally similar molecules. The dihedral angle between the benzothiazole fragment and the phenyl ring is 6.1 (4) degrees in molecule A and 19.5 (4) degrees in molecule B.

Benzothiazoles↗
PubMed1997

A preliminary assessment of the recombinant antigen PLA2 in the diagnosis of human dirofilariosis.

Two recombinant antigens (P22U and PLA2), cloned in a L4 Dirofilaria immitis cDNA library, were analyzed by Western-blot and ELISA to investigate their characteristics for the diagnosis of human dirofilariosis. P22U seems related to a Di22 native antigen useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary dirofilariosis, but it is unspecifically recognized by sera from patients with different parasitic and non parasitic pulmonary diseases. PLA2 is not related to Di22 but specifically reacts in Western-Blot and ELISA with sera from patients with subcutaneous dirofilariosis.

Antigens, Helminth↗
PubMed1997

[The effect of controlled release of DOPA and carbidopa on clinical response and plasma pharmacokinetics of DOPA in parkinsonian patients].

This is a multicentric double blind comparison of the effects of standard and slow release levodopa + carbidopa formulations in patients with Parkinson's disease. Sixty four patients with simple fluctuations were included and 43 finished the study. The study had three phases: a) optimal dose findings phase with standard levodopa + carbidopa; b) open label, cross over study with the two formulations, and c) double blind, parallel investigation. The following results were obtained. There was not a difference in the severity of disability according to UPDRS, part 3, scores though the subjective impressions of patients were in favor of standard formulations. The Sustained release levodopa + carbidopa produced significant improvement of dystonia in off period, pain due to akinesia in off and the number of hours in off and the quality and latency of sleep. In addition there was a tendency in favor of slow release compounds for early morning akinesia, global effect and impression of the examining physician. Low protein diet improved the kinetics of levodopa and the clinical response with both formulations. The clinical usefulness of standard and slow release levodopa + carbidopa formulation should be weighted according to individual problems of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed1997

Human humoral immune response to Dirofilaria species.

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens, the agents of human pulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis respectively, may coexist in areas of Southern Europe, and L3 and L4 of both species develop in subcutaneous tissue. Previous studies have shown that humans develop high levels of specific IgM, IgG and IgE anti-D. immitis. An antigen of approximately 22 kDa (Di22) is a marker of pulmonary dirofilariosis. In this work, we demonstrate that D. repens also induces IgG in infected humans. Polypeptides between 40 and 26 kDa from adult somatic antigenic complex of the later species, are specifically recognized by sera from individuals with subcutaneous dirofilariosis due to D. repens. These findings complement the previous studies on specific antigens for the serological diagnosis of pulmonary dirofilariosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[The serum markers in the pregnant population of the basic health area of El Natahoyo (Gijón)].

OBJECTIVES: To find the prevalence of markers of rubeola, Toxoplasma, lues, HIV and hepatitis A, B and C viruses in the pregnant women of a health district; and these markers' correlations with epidemiological and socio-demographic antecedents. PATIENTS: 129 pregnant women from the 5.3 Health District in Asturias with birth predicted for between August 1994 and October 1995. A descriptive study of epidemiological, socio-demographic and serological data; statistical calculation with RSigma. RESULTS: 109 pregnant women (84.5%) were assessed, average age 28.6, including 9 abortions with path. analysis in the first three months. HIV was tested in 15 cases, all negative. Toxoplasma was positive in 46 cases, with no association with other variables. Rubeola was negative in 6 cases, all > 25 years old, with overall vaccination coverage of 42.2% and 64.7% for < 26-year-olds. One case of lues was found. The HC test was negative in all the pregnant women, with 4% of HBsAg+, related to being gypsy and to AF of hepatopathy. HA IgG was positive in 52 cases (52%) and more common among gypsies vs. the rest. In the latter group there was increasing prevalence according to age. CONCLUSIONS: 1) HIV screening is not common. 2) There is a high percentage of pregnant women with no immunity to Toxoplasma. 3) Low rubeola vaccination coverage among women under 26 was found. 4) There is a higher percentage of HBsAg+ cases in comparison with other areas, but not with the HC virus. 5) A high percentage of cases had no previous contact with the HA virus.

Adult↗